[0001] The object of the present invention is a lid for a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages, in particular a lid with identification print for the user. The object of the invention is also a capsule provided with such a lid and a relative dispensing system.

[0002] In the sector, capsules are known for the packaging of concentrated products (e.g., in the form of powder, granules, leaves) in predetermined, single-use doses, for the impromptu preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal teas, milk, chocolate, etc.) by means of the introduction, into said capsule, of a fluid under pressure (mostly hot water) . Said flow of hot water, delivered by an extraction machine, passes through the essence to be infused or dissolved contained inside the capsule, which results in the impromptu preparation of the beverage.

[0003] Different types of automatic or semi-automatic beverage preparation machines are known in the industry.

[0004] A first type of machine envisages the perforation of the capsule on both sides, in order to allow the pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup on one side, and the beverage to flow out from the opposite side. This first type of machine is intended for capsules comprising a cup closed on both sides, respectively by a bottom and a lid.

[0005] A second type of machine envisages perforating the capsule only on one side to allow pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup. This second type of machine is in fact intended for capsules comprising a cup equipped with an outlet for the beverage on one side and a closing lid on the opposite side, as well as its own inner opening means. Said opening means, usually in the form of cutting or piercing tips or contours, are activated by increasing the pressure within the cup to pierce or tear an inner sealing disc and thereby allow the beverage to escape from the outlet opening at the bottom of the cup.

[0006] The current lids used for closing all these capsules are made with different materials and different structures (single or multi-layer) , and most of them have a print aimed at differentiating the various tastes and allowing the consumer to recognize the taste of the product contained in the capsule.

[0007] As mentioned above, all the dispensing systems provide for piercing the lid for injecting liquid under pressure or for the outflow of the beverage. When the lid has an identification print, this perforation causes a migration of the inks which thus come into contact with the product . During the beverage extraction step in which the water at temperature and pressure is mixed with the powder contained in the capsule , the beverage may therefore absorb chemical substances released by the inks . Therefore , one of the problems in the capsule sector concerns the safety with respect to the trans fer of chemicals from the packaging ( lid) to the product .

[0008] This aspect is more relevant in the case of biodegradable and/or compostable capsules , in which the materials used for the cup and lid do not allow any identi fication print .

[0009] Therefore , the current solution in the sector provides for each capsule to be packaged separately in a removable identi fication bag j ust before use , with an evident increase in packaging costs and the creation of unwanted waste . Alternatively, the capsules are left anonymous with the risk of confusion in the case of using di f ferent types of flavors and products .

[0010] The obj ect of this invention is to construct a lid, a capsule and a relative dispensing system for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages that solves the problems of the prior art while taking into account the needs of the industry .

[0011] In particular, the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a lid with an identi fication print for the user without the risk of releasing chemical substances toward the product .

[0012] This obj ect is achieved by a lid according to claim 1 , a capsule according to claim 11 and a relative dispensing system according to claim 12 . The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention .

[0013] The features and advantages of a lid and a capsule provided with a relative dispensing system for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages according to this invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and according to the accompanying figures , wherein :

[0014] - Fig . 1A and IB show a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages , provided with a lid with identi fication print for the user according to the present invention, in two di f ferent exemplary embodiments ;

[0015] - Fig . 2A shows a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages ( of the type compatible with Dolce Gusto®) , provided with a lid with identi fication print according to the present invention, and a relative dispensing system shown in Fig . 2B with lateral perforation of the lid only;

[0016] - Fig . 3A shows a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages ( of the type compatible with Caf fitaly®) , provided with a lid with identi fication print according to the present invention, and a relative dispensing system shown in Fig . 3B with central perforation both of the lid and of the bottom;

[0017] - Fig . 4A shows a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages ( of the type compatible with Lavaz za®) , provided with a lid with identi fication print according to the present invention, and a relative dispensing system shown in Fig . 4B with multiple perforation both of the lid and of the bottom;

[0018] - Fig . 5A shows a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages ( of the type compatible with Nespresso®) , provided with a lid with identi fication print according to the present invention, and a relative dispensing system shown in Fig . 5B with multiple perforation both of the lid and of the bottom.

[0019] With reference to the attached figures , a capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages is shown, indicated by the reference number 1 .

[0020] The capsule 1 comprises a body or cup 2 suitable for defining an inner volume V wherein at least one substance to be infused or dissolved is typically contained in powder or granular form .

[0021] The cup 2 is provided on one side with a bottom 3 and on the opposite side with an inlet opening 21 defined by an externally proj ecting edge 4 .

[0022] The capsule 1 comprises a lid 6 fixed on the edge 4 to seal the cup 2 at the top ( as in the examples of Fig . 2A, 3A, 4A) or at the bottom ( as in the example of Fig . 5A) .

[0023] The lid 6 comprises an identification band 64 for the user, comprising ink . The identi fication band 64 is for example writing or has a graphic, or a colored, continuous or discontinuous band . The identi fication band 64 is not a barcode as it is not readable by the user .

[0024] The ink of the identi fication band 64 is printed directly on the outer layer of the lid 6 , or it is applied (with adhesive or welding or lamination) by interposing a support on the outer surface of the lid 6 , or it is arranged inside the outer surface but is visible therethrough .

[0025] Preferably, the ink present in the identi fication band 64 is covered by a protective film suitable for food contact , to prevent the migration of chemical substances toward the product to be extracted or dissolved or toward the inj ection liquid or beverage . The protective film is for example a lacquer or a varnish or a thin film made of polymeric material . The protective film is at least partially transparent . [0026] Advantageously, the identification band 64 does not extend to completely cover the lid 6, but extends only at the portion of the lid 6 not intended for perforation for the injection of the extraction liquid. In other words, the identification band 64 extends only at a nonperforation zone of the lid 6.

[0027] The lid 6 therefore comprises a free portion 65 without ink, which is intended for perforation for the injection of the extraction liquid.

[0028] The lid 6 substantially comprises an outer portion 61, an intermediate portion 62 and a central portion 63. Said portions are adjacent to each other, in sequence: outer portion 61, intermediate portion 62, central portion 63.

[0029] The outer portion 61 is a ring which comprises at least the portion of lid 6 above the edge 4 of the cup 2. [0030] Given the radius R of the lid 6, preferably:

[0031] - the outer portion 61 extends substantially at the first 1/4 of the radius R;

[0032] - the intermediate portion 62 extends substantially at the central 2/4 of the radius R;

[0033] - the central portion 63 extends substantially at the last 1/4 of the radius R.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1A and 5A, the identification band 64 is at the outer portion 61 only above the edge 4 of the cup 2.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. IB and 4A, the identification band 64 entirely covers the outer portion 61, i.e., also beyond the edge 4 of the cup 2.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Fig. 2A, the identification band 64 entirely covers the outer portion 61 and partially also the intermediate portion 62, preferably no further than the first 1/4 of the intermediate portion 62.

[0037] In an embodiment example, shown in Fig. 3A, the identification band 64 entirely covers both the outer portion 61 and the intermediate portion 62.

[0038] In the example of Fig. 2A, the capsule 1 comprises a sealing disc 5, arranged within the cup 2, which closes the capsule 1. At the bottom 3, the cup 2 is provided with an outlet opening 31 to allow the outflow of the infused beverage. The cup 2 comprises inside it, underneath the sealing disc 5, opening means 51, for example in the form of vertically projecting tips or cutting or perforating profiles. This capsule is intended for the type of extraction machine shown in Fig. 2B, in which only the lid is perforated to allow the injection of pressurized fluid into the cup. The opening means 51 are activated by increasing the pressure inside the cup for piercing or tearing the sealing disc 5 and thus allowing the beverage to escape from the opening 31. In particular, a single injection needle 9 is provided which pierces the lid 6 at the terminal portion (last quarter) of the intermediate zone 62, i.e., at the free portion 65 without ink, or outside the identification band 64.

[0039] In the examples of Fig. 3A and 4A, the capsule 1 comprises a cup 2 closed at the bottom by the bottom 3 and at the top by the lid 6. Such capsule is intended for the type of extraction machine shown in Fig. 3B or 4B, which envisages the piercing of the capsule on both sides to allow the injection of the pressurized fluid inside the cup and the outflow of the beverage from the opposite side. In particular, in the case of Fig. 3B, a single injection needle 9 is provided which pierces the lid 6 at the central zone 63, i.e., at the free portion 65 without ink, i.e., outside the identification band 64. In the case of Fig. 4B, a plurality of injection needles 9 is provided which uniformly pierce the lid 6 both in the intermediate area 62 and in the central zone 63, i.e., at the free portion 65 without ink, or outside the identification band 64.

[0040] In the example of Fig. 5A, the capsule 1 comprises a cup 2 closed at the top by the bottom 3 and at the bottom by the lid 6. Such capsule is intended for the type of extraction machine shown in Fig. 5B, which envisages the piercing of the capsule on both sides to allow the injection of the pressurized fluid inside the cup and the outflow of the beverage from the opposite side. In particular, a plurality of needles 9 are provided for dispensing the beverage, which uniformly pierce the lid 6 both in the intermediate zone 62 and in the central zone 63, i.e., at the free portion 65 without ink, or outside the identification band 64.

[0041] Preferably, the ink of the identification band 64 is a compostable ink or an ink of the type suitable for food use in accordance with the standard EN 13432 relating to biodegradable or compostable materials.

[0042] Preferably, the lid 6 is a multi-layer lid in which the different layers are connected together without using adhesives. Advantageously, therefore, there is no risk of the piercing by the extraction machine causing a migration of chemical substances (contained in the adhesives) toward the product to be extracted or dissolved or toward the injection liquid or the beverage. [0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the lid 6 is made of aluminum or of plastic material, monolayer or multilayer .

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-layer lid 6 has the following structures:

• PET - Alu - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer; • Alu - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer ;

• PET - PET barrier - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer ;

• Paper - PET barrier - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer ;

• PET barrier - OPA ( oriented polyamide ) - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer ;

• PET - OPA barrier - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer

• PET - OPA - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer

• PET - PET - PP or PE or heat-seal lacquer

• BOPP - BOPP barrier - PP or heat-seal lacquer

• Paper - bioplastic or heat-seal lacquer

• Paper - metalli zed bioplastic

• Metalli zed paper - bioplastic or heat-seal lacquer

• Paper - bioplastic - metalli zed regenerated cellulose - bioplastic - PLA or heat-seal lacquer

• Paper - metalli zed regenerated cellulose - PLA or heatseal lacquer

• Regenerated cel lulose - bioplastic - PLA or heat-seal lacquer

• Regenerated cellulose - bioplastic or heat-seal lacquer

• Regenerated cellulose - bioplastic - metalli zed bioplastic or heat-seal lacquer

• Bioplastic barrier - PLA or heat-seal lacquer

• Bioplastic barrier - bioplastic NWF (non-woven fabric ) or heat-seal lacquer

• Paper - bioplastic NWF (non-woven fabric ) . [0045] In a preferred exemplary embodiment , the lid 6 is completely compostable . In this example , the lid is a multi-layer lid comprising :

[0046] - an outer layer made of carob or other compostable material ;

[0047] - a second layer made of bioplastics or compostable polyester or extruded PLA or other compostable biopolymer ;

[0048] - a third layer made of regenerated, metalli zed or non-metalli zed cellulose or barrier biopolymer ;

[0049] - a fourth layer made of compostable polyester or extruded PLA or other compostable biopolymer ;

[0050] - an inner layer, intended to face toward the inner volume of the capsule , in PLA or in another compostable biopolymer similar to the material of the cup 2 to allow the sealing of the lid 6 on the edge 4 .

[0051] The obj ect of the present invention is therefore a lid 6 for a capsule 1 for preparing infusion or soluble beverages , said lid having an outer portion 61 , an intermediate portion 62 and a central portion 63 , and comprising :

[0052] - a free portion 65 without ink;

[0053] - an identi fication band 64 for the user, said band comprising ink and being arranged adj acent to the free portion 65 , wherein said identi fication band 64 is writing or a graphic of a di f ferent color with respect to the free portion 65 ;

[0054] wherein the identi fication band 64 extends at the outer portion 61 and/or the intermediate portion 62 .

[0055] The obj ect of the present invention is also a capsule 1 for preparing infusion or soluble beverages , comprising :

[0056] - a cup 2 adapted to define an inner volume V in which at least one substance to be infused or dissolved is contained, typically in powder or granular form, said cup 2 being provided, on one side , with a bottom 3 , and on the opposite side , with an inlet opening 21 defined by an outwardly proj ecting edge 4 ;

[0057] - a lid 6 fixed on the edge 4 to seal the cup 2 , said lid having the features described above and wherein the outer portion 61 is located above the edge 4 , and the intermediate portion 62 and the central portion 63 are both located above the inner volume V .

[0058] A capsule according to this invention is usable for packaging concentrated products ( in the form of powder or granules or leaves ) in predetermined, single-use doses , for the impromptu preparation of beverages such as leaf or soluble tea, ground or instant cof fee , herbal teas , milk, chocolate , or other dehydrated and soluble products . [0059] The obj ect of the present invention is also a dispensing system for preparing infusion or soluble beverages , comprising :

[0060] - a capsule 1 having the features described above ;

[0061] - an extraction machine provided with an infusion chamber in which the capsule 1 is inserted, and at least one piercing needle 9 for piercing the lid 6 of the capsule 1 ; wherein the at least one piercing needle 9 only pierces the free portion 65 of the lid 6 .

[0062] Innovatively, a lid for a capsule for preparing infusion or soluble beverages according to the present invention allows the recogni zability of the individual recipes to be preserved through a graphic or a color while having the guarantee of an absolute absence of migration of substances coming from the inks and ensuring safety for the consumer .

[0063] Advantageously, in the case in which the identi fication band 64 is at the outer portion 61 , only above the edge 4 of the cup 2 , there is the guarantee that this band will never be pierced by the needles and will therefore not be able to release dangerous substances to the product .

[0064] It is understood that a person skilled in the art could make modi fications to the capsule for the preparation of infusion or soluble beverages described above , all of which are contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .